Message from the commissioner

Tēnā kotou katoa

It has been a full and challenging year for the whole organisation and I am sure many of you will be looking forward to some time off to unwind over Christmas.

This month will have been particularly difficult for all those who rallied and rose to the challenge in the wake of the Whakaari/White Island eruption, taking such outstanding care of the eight patients Waikato Hospital received, while also maintaining a busy ED and other acute services. Also those who have been supporting colleagues across other DHBs.

A heartfelt thanks to you all from myself and the commissioners’ group.

We share Kevin’s sentiment around the response from our staff. It was an incredible effort and the outstanding professionalism and quality of care from the team at Waikato Hospital has been a theme across all my conversations following this event.

I would like to tell you that the work from this year means 2020 will be easier, but I know you share the drive to always improve what we do for the community we serve.

The deputy commissioners and I have been hugely grateful for everyone’s willingness to meet our challenges during 2019. With the recent appointment of DHB chairs around the country it is probably important to remind ourselves that this governance group remains with the DHB through 2022. We are committed to providing this long term governance support for the organisation and look forward to working with you all.

Thank you to all those staff working over Christmas. I hope you will find time for a break once others are back on deck. It is important we all take that time away to recharge.

As Kevin and I are both public health medicine specialists I am duty-bound to end with a public health announcement! Please do drive safely, drink responsibly, and take care of yourselves and each other.

Meri Kirihimete

Dr Karen Poutasi Waikato DHB Commissioner